Melbourne, Florida • Christ-centered restoration
Stories of Hope
These are just a few stories from men and women whose lives have been changed through Christ-centered recovery at CITA Rescue Mission. We share them to encourage anyone who is struggling—and to thank the supporters who make this ministry possible.
Featured Story
From Addiction and Despair to Discipline and Freedom in Christ
Wayne Valentine • Men’s Program
Wayne’s life had been shaped by decades of self-directed living that led to addiction, depression, and deep discouragement. A severe alcohol-related crisis left him hospitalized with little memory of what had happened and no clear direction forward.
In the weeks that followed, conviction replaced confusion. A close friend intervened and brought him to safety, and when deeper help was needed, Wayne was brought to CITA Rescue Mission.
At CITA, he entered a structured, Christ-centered environment where daily discipline, biblical teaching, chapel services, and accountability began rebuilding his life from the inside out.
Wayne came to saving faith on August 1, 2021. Even after experiencing the loss of his mother soon after, he did not return to old patterns. Instead, he leaned into the support around him, trusted God through grief, and continued growing in sobriety, restored relationships, and renewed character.
Jimmy Martin
A life-threatening DUI accident became the wake-up call that finally redirected Jimmy’s path—leading him to CITA and a chance to rebuild with structure, accountability, and faith.
Beth
Beth endured a year on the streets after a cascade of loss left her without a home—until she became the first woman welcomed into Helen’s House and began rebuilding in safety and hope.
Erik Spacht
Erik reached a breaking point in his battle with addiction and homelessness—when God redirected his steps to CITA and gave him the opportunity to start again.
Louis Peronard
Louis arrived at CITA during one of the hardest seasons of his life and began rebuilding through Christ-centered mentorship, steady structure, and renewed faith.
Wayne Valentine
A near-fatal crisis forced Wayne to confront decades of addiction—leading him to CITA, where discipline, accountability, and faith reshaped his future.
Mike Elsasser
Mike found himself with nowhere to turn and little hope—until CITA provided the structure, community, and Christ-centered support that helped him rebuild.
Jimmy started drinking at 15, growing up in a family where alcoholism felt normal. By 18, he was in and out of homeless shelters, trying to survive and find direction. Over time, the weight of addiction and loss left him feeling increasingly alone and stuck.
In 2020, Jimmy was in a serious DUI accident. His car caught fire, and two men pulled him out and saved his life. That moment became a wake-up call. He entered recovery in 2021, found a sponsor through AA, and for a season rebuilt stability—until job loss pulled the ground out from under him again.
When Jimmy arrived at CITA, he was homeless and discouraged, but ready for change. Through daily structure, consistent accountability, and a growing walk with Christ, he began rebuilding his life with steady steps—work, responsibility, and renewed purpose becoming part of the pattern again.
Beth’s life unraveled during the COVID-era upheaval. Her 34-year marriage ended, she lost her home, her car broke down, and job loss followed. With no family nearby and nowhere safe to go, she spent a year living on the streets, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty.
Everything shifted when Beth learned CITA was building a shelter for single women and mothers with children. She called week after week asking for help. On June 10, 2024, Beth became the first guest admitted to Helen’s House—stepping into safety and a fresh start.
At Helen’s House, Beth began rebuilding from the inside out. Through Bible study, church community, work therapy, and life-skills training, her view of God began to change. As her faith grew, she gained clarity and strength, moving forward with real purpose and direction.
Erik’s struggle with addiction began at 16 and deepened for years, pulling him into cycles of homelessness, depression, and hopelessness. Along the way he lost relationships and became disconnected from his daughter, Destiny.
At 34, Erik reached a breaking point and stepped into traffic, believing there was no way out. Instead, that moment became a turning point. Erik describes it as God intervening—making it clear that his life was not over and that death was not the answer.
When Erik came to CITA, he was determined not to go back. Through daily structure, new habits, supportive relationships, and a foundation in Jesus Christ, he began rebuilding. The change showed up in consistency—healthier patterns, stronger relationships, and a deeper sense of hope.
Louis entered one of the most difficult seasons of his life after a painful divorce, followed by losing his job and his apartment. Stability disappeared quickly, and he found himself overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward.
When Louis came to CITA Rescue Mission, he found more than shelter. He found structure. He found mentors who spoke truth into his life. He found a Christ-centered community that encouraged him to rebuild rather than retreat.
Through chapel services, Bible studies, prayer, and daily accountability, Louis began strengthening his faith. At the same time, he secured employment, started saving money, and began planning for the future again.
CITA did not simply provide temporary relief. It created an environment where both practical stability and spiritual growth could take root. Louis’s story reflects what becomes possible when someone is given support, direction, and the opportunity to start again.
Wayne’s life had been shaped by decades of self-directed living that led to addiction, depression, and deep discouragement. A severe alcohol-related crisis left him hospitalized with little memory of what had happened and no clear direction forward.
In the weeks that followed, conviction replaced confusion. A close friend intervened and brought him to safety, and when deeper help was needed, Wayne was brought to CITA Rescue Mission.
At CITA, he entered a structured, Christ-centered environment designed for transformation. Through daily discipline, chapel services, biblical teaching, and accountability, he began rebuilding from the inside out.
Wayne came to saving faith on August 1, 2021. Soon after, he experienced the loss of his mother. Instead of returning to old patterns, he leaned into the support around him and learned to trust God through grief.
Sobriety strengthened. Relationships were restored. Discipline returned. Wayne describes the mission as the place where Jesus broke long-standing strongholds and rebuilt his character.
Mike arrived at a place of deep discouragement, with nowhere to go and little hope for what came next. Although he had not known about CITA before, circumstances led him to the mission, where he was welcomed into the program.
Through daily structure and consistent accountability, Mike began rebuilding discipline in his life. Chapel services, biblical teaching, and Christ-centered community helped reintroduce him to Jesus and strengthen his faith.
CITA provided more than housing—it created an environment where stability and spiritual growth could take root. Surrounded by men walking similar paths, Mike experienced both encouragement and correction as his foundation grew stronger.
His story reflects how structure, community, and faith-centered support can restore hope when it feels like none remains.
Ian Managan
When instability and alcoholism left Ian searching for direction, CITA became the place where counseling, community, and renewed faith helped him start again.
David Boisclair
Years of addiction and repeated setbacks shaped David’s journey—until CITA offered structure, truth, and a new path rooted in Jesus.
Daniel Matos
Daniel returned to CITA carrying years of instability and homelessness—but this time, surrender and discipleship marked a true turning point.
Sawyer Charters
Sawyer found freedom from shame, rediscovered God’s grace, and began stepping into a renewed calling through Christ-centered discipleship at CITA.
Steven Armstrong
A hospital stay from alcohol poisoning became Steven’s turning point—leading him to CITA and a renewed life grounded in faith and purpose.
Chris Ward
Chris came to CITA after losing everything and began rebuilding through renewed faith, God’s grace, and steady structure.
By the summer of 2024, Ian Managan’s life had spiraled into dysfunction and despair, driven by alcoholism, destructive choices, and an unstable lifestyle. He knew he needed help but did not know where to turn. At his wife’s encouragement, Ian came to CITA Rescue Mission.
When Ian arrived in June, he describes feeling welcomed and supported—like he had been given a real second chance. Through counseling, Bible study, and fellowship, he reconnected with Jesus Christ and began rediscovering peace and joy.
As his life stabilized, Ian secured employment, regained driving privileges, and started repairing relationships with loved ones. His story reflects what becomes possible when structure, community, and Christ-centered support come together in a place of refuge.
David Boisclair grew up in a loving home and was raised with strong family support. Over time, life became more complicated as addiction entered his story, and at 34 he began using crack—one decision that changed everything.
For years, David cycled through programs, detox centers, and halfway houses, trying to rebuild but repeatedly falling back into addiction. After his father passed away in 2018, he moved to Florida. Addiction strained relationships there as well, and eventually David found himself with no clear options. That led him to CITA Rescue Mission.
At CITA, David describes seeing God at work in his life—healing him and guiding him toward a new path. He began putting his hope in Jesus, trusting that God’s plan leads to real freedom. His story reflects the difference Christ-centered structure and steady support can make when someone is ready to change.
Daniel Matos returned to CITA after experiencing long seasons of instability, fear, and deep loneliness. From early childhood, his life was marked by chaos, broken relationships, and traumatic moments that shaped years of depression and repeated suicide attempts.
As the years passed, Daniel experienced homelessness, moved from state to state, and lived in a cycle of heavy substance use and nightly intoxication. Eventually, he ended up in a remote homeless shelter in Colorado. While walking alone, Daniel describes hearing a “still, small voice” asking, “Are you done running from me, Daniel?” He knew the Lord was calling him to stop running.
Daniel returned to CITA, and not long after, he spoke with the chaplain about whether hope was still possible. During chapel that same evening, he felt conviction and surrendered in prayer, repenting and entrusting his life to Christ.
Through the mission’s structure, counseling, and encouragement, Daniel began learning to trust Jesus with humility and hope. His story reflects a turning point that became the start of real spiritual rebuilding—one steady step at a time.
Sawyer’s testimony reflects a long season of hidden struggle and shame that shaped his sense of identity and worth. Though he identified as a Christian, he carried a performance-driven belief that God could only fully love him if he fully obeyed.
At CITA, Sawyer encountered the truth of God’s grace in a deeper way—learning to trust that God’s love and forgiveness are real, even in moments of weakness and ongoing need.
Through discipleship, Scripture, and a Christ-centered community, Sawyer describes moving from shame toward freedom and restored confidence in God’s love. He also shares that God reaffirmed his call to ministry, and through the CITA Thrift Store he has opportunities to share hope with others.
Steven’s life changed dramatically after divorce. He turned to alcohol to numb the pain, and what started occasionally quickly became daily dependence. Over time, he lost his home, his business, and many of the relationships he cared about most.
Everything came to a head when Steven woke up in the hospital from alcohol poisoning. That crisis became the moment he realized he needed help. A close friend told him about CITA, and Steven came to the mission ready for change.
Through CITA’s structure, support, and Christ-centered environment, Steven describes developing a personal relationship with Jesus and learning to rely on God’s strength rather than his own. He also shares that he rediscovered purpose and joy in life again.
Chris grew up in a healthy, nurturing family and was introduced to church early. As a teenager, he became a believer and was baptized, then spent years building a stable life, pursuing a career, and raising a family.
Over time, Chris put his relationship with God on hold to pursue his own desires. That path eventually led to loss, isolation, and deep brokenness. He describes reaching a point where he was completely lost and without support.
After years of darkness, Chris prayed that God would remove his burdens and lead him forward. Soon after, he arrived at CITA. Through renewed faith, God’s grace, and the mission’s support and structure, Chris began rebuilding spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Jim Mackay
Jim lost his business of 30 years and fell into alcoholism and depression—until a friend pointed him to CITA and he began finding hope again.
Cannon Henke
Cannon spent years in sorrow and searching for relief—until God brought him to CITA, where he found space to rest and pursue joy in Christ.
Kenita Jefferson
Kenita grew up in Brevard County and lost everything to addiction—until CITA became the first program that truly led to lasting change.
Marcus Jones
Marcus hit a breaking point and cried out to God. Then a single moment opened the door to CITA—leading to renewed faith, hope, and stability.
Curtice Robison
After a successful life in Brevard County, Curtice lost control and became homeless. CITA became the turning point that led him to surrender and hope.
Charles Ingeldsen
Charles grew up with mixed influences and years of addiction. At CITA, he found freedom in Christ—and began rebuilding life and family.
Before coming to CITA, Jim lost his business of thirty years and fell heavily into alcoholism. His depression worsened and took a heavy toll, and he constantly felt like there was no way out or happiness ahead.
A friend told him about CITA, and Jim decided to give it a try. Although he had always considered himself a Christian, the mission’s faith-based program helped him understand what it really means to follow Christ.
As he began to look honestly at his life, Jim shares that the depression started to fade and he felt good inside again. He learned more about who Jesus is and what He has done for him, and he experienced God’s healing power.
Today, Jim is waiting on the Lord for his next step, trusting that God has a plan. He has placed his life in God’s hands and trusts Him completely.
Cannon lived outside of Christianity for a long time, but he noticed something different in believers—joy. He wanted a joy like that after spending much of his life in low places.
He describes repeatedly falling into sorrow and misery and turning to the world for relief, only to find it never lasted. Cannon says that changed when God brought him to CITA.
At CITA, he found a space to be still and rest in God. With daily needs provided, he could focus on his relationship with Jesus and grow into the man God created him to be.
Cannon shares that he does not have to worry now because God has gone before him and met his needs. He is grateful for what God is doing in his life and thankful for CITA.
Kenita grew up in Brevard County—mainly Cocoa and Rockledge. Though he was raised with strict morals, he was drawn into street life and began selling drugs.
In his mid-twenties, he met the young lady who became his wife. They partied, and soon began using other drugs. Kenita says they had a stable home and jobs and were deeply in love—until addiction started taking everything away.
First went the car and license, then the home, then the kids—until they finally lost each other. By 2018, everything was gone. He had been to jail and other rehab programs, but none of it helped.
The one thing he kept fighting for was reuniting with his family. After hearing about CITA, he was willing to try something else. Kenita praises God that this is the only thing that has worked in the past 25 years of his life. He is now sober, is saving for a home, and is regaining his relationship with his family.
Marcus says he had hit “rock bottom” before—but this time he smashed through it. Overtaken by addiction and separated from God, he felt completely alone and without hope.
With no money and minutes left on his phone, he prayed and asked God what to do. A push notification with a link to CITA appeared. Expecting rejection, he called anyway. Instead, he was invited to come talk about his situation.
After enrolling in the program, Marcus says he knows God led him there. He found renewed faith, began rebuilding trust with his family, gained employment, and says his life is coming back together as he lets God guide his steps.
Curtice built a successful life in Brevard County—raising a family and working in leadership roles. But alcohol slowly took control, and he eventually found himself homeless, sleeping across from places he once enjoyed.
Broke and out of options, CITA came to his attention. Though he waited several days for a bed, he felt God drawing him there. He even slept under the nearby hospital overhang, believing God was testing his surrender.
Curtice says CITA gave him a new beginning. Today he lives with purpose, hope, and a restored relationship with Jesus.
Charles was adopted at birth. His adoptive parents and grandparents tried to guide him toward Christ, but conflicting influences left him confused about what to believe.
By 14, Charles was drinking and smoking marijuana. Over time, he became involved in theft and adultery. In 2015, he began using meth, convinced he could manage it—but the addiction only grew deeper. He drifted from state to state, even hitchhiking north on US 1 for ten days from Florida to North Carolina.
Through people God placed in his life, Charles realized he needed help. In 2021, he returned to Florida and entered the program at CITA. Before arriving, he could not call himself a follower of Christ.
Today, Charles has accepted Jesus as his Savior and is learning what it means for Christ to live in him. He is excited about the work God has planned and looks forward to sharing God’s Word with others. He is grateful that God used CITA in his life.
Zab Phillips
After serving nine years in prison, Zab came to CITA determined to change direction—and began rebuilding stability and relationships.
Kevin Byington
After more than 20 years of addiction and a heart attack that changed everything, Kevin found new life through Christ at CITA.
Josh Burnell
Josh came to CITA feeling lost and broken. Through Christ-centered love and support, he found purpose, sobriety, and a fresh start.
Zab arrived at CITA after serving nine years in prison. He knew his choices had damaged important relationships, and during his time incarcerated he thought deeply about the consequences and became determined to change direction.
At the mission, Zab says he was blessed by Pastor Perry and by the advice of godly staff, volunteers, and mentors. With their help, he began putting clear goals into motion and rebuilding stability.
Zab shares that he has been working, saving, and moving toward reliable transportation while getting closer with his family again. He says he looks to the future with excitement and is grateful, believing the Lord led him to CITA.
Kevin served ten years in the Air Force and maintained steady employment for many years, yet privately battled crack-cocaine and meth addiction for more than two decades. Because he was functioning outwardly, he convinced himself everything was fine.
A heart attack forced him to confront the reality of where his life was headed. What felt like devastation became the turning point that led him to CITA.
Before arriving, Kevin says he did not know God personally. Through his time at the mission, he gave his heart to Jesus, confessed his sins, and experienced what he describes as cleansing and freedom in Christ.
Kevin shares that each day at CITA strengthens his walk with God. He is grateful for the new life he has been given and the freedom he has found.
Josh describes years of addiction, sorrow, and feeling completely lost. The way he was living felt unbearable, and he believed there was no other path forward.
God led him to CITA, where he was welcomed with open arms and surrounded by love and compassion. Through the staff and residents, he began to see God’s presence in a way he had never experienced before. What once felt confusing became clear: Christ truly is the answer.
At CITA, Josh discovered that he matters. He began waking up with purpose and realized he did not have to keep walking toward ruin. By turning and following God, he found a fresh start and a future worth living.
Josh celebrates his sobriety and gives Christ the credit for the freedom he now walks in.
Help Write the Next Story
Every story on this page began with someone at a crossroads. Some arrived broken. Some arrived uncertain. Each one found hope, truth, and a path forward. Whether you need help or want to help make it possible, your next step starts here.
Get Help
If you or someone you love needs shelter, structure, recovery support, and a safe path forward, we’re here. A new beginning can start today.
Get Help NowGive
Your financial support helps provide meals, housing, recovery programming, and Gospel discipleship for people rebuilding their lives.
DonateShop or Donate to Thrift
Thrift store purchases and donated goods directly fund life-changing programs. Every item given or bought helps sustain restoration.
Visit Thrift StoresVolunteer
Serve alongside our team and help create the environment where transformation and lasting change can take root.
Become a Volunteer